Have you had heartburn for 3 weeks or more? ·
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1 Have you had heartburn for 3 weeks or more? Then it is time to tell your doctor. EasyRead version
Transcript of Have you had heartburn for 3 weeks or more? ·
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Have you had heartburnfor 3 weeks or more?
Then it is time to tell your doctor.
EasyRead version
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This leaflet tells you how to spotsigns of cancer of the stomachand cancer of the food pipe.
It tells you how you need to tell your doctorif you have spotted any of the signs.
This is an EasyRead version of anotherleaflet about cancer.
You may like to have someone to supportyou when you look at this leaflet.
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What are cancer of thestomach and cancer of thefood pipe?
Cancer of the stomach and cancer of thefood pipe can be serious illnesses.Every year many people are told theyhave them.
The food pipe runs from your mouth toyour stomach. It is sometimes calledthe oesophagus.
You can get these cancers at any age butyou are more likely to get them if you areover 50. You are also more likely to getthem if you are a man.
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How to spot cancer of thestomach and cancer of thefood pipe
If you have had heartburn most daysfor 3 weeks or more you need to seeyour doctor.
Heartburn often feels like a burning feelingin your chest.
Even if your heartburn is better afteryou take medicine you still need to seeyour doctor.
You also need to see your doctor if youhave any of these:
l Indigestion most days for over 3 weeks. Indigestion feels like
a burning in the chest, stomach or back.
l Losing weight for no reason.
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l Food feeling like it is sticking in your throat when you swallow.
l Trapped wind and burping a lot.
l Feeling full very quickly.
l Feeling or being sick.
l Stomach pains.
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Why do you need to seeyour doctor?
If you have any of these things wrong withyou, tell your doctor.
You are not wasting anyone’s time bygoing to the doctor.
It could be something else that needstreating. And if it is nothing serious youwill feel happier.
If it is cancer it needs to be treatedas soon as possible to give you the bestchance of getting better.
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You can find out how to get in touch withyour doctor on our website:www.nhs.uk/ogcancer
If you know anyone who has any of thesesigns, make sure they see their doctor.
Seeing your doctor early couldsave your life.
Alan said, “I had heartburn on holiday.I thought it was the food, but it carried onwhen I got home.
“I was shocked when I was told it wascancer, but they found it early and Igot better.
“I now have great grandchildren. Goingto the doctor straight away was the bestthing I ever did.”
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How to try and stay healthy
There are things you can do to give youthe best chance of not getting cancer.
Stop smoking
It is never too late to stop smoking. Itmight stop you getting cancer and willmake you healthier.
You can get lots of help to stop smoking.Go to our website:
www.smokefree.nhs.uk
Or call:
0800 169 0169
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Look after yourself
Stay a healthy weight and keep active.
The more you do, the better. Try:
l swimming
l cycling
l dancing.
Even walking to the local shops instead oftaking the bus can help.
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Eat and drink well
It is good to try and have a healthy diet.Try to eat:
l More fruit and veg – your 5 a day
l More fish and wholegrain foods
l Fewer fatty foods like bacon and ham.
Cut down on alcohol. Drinking too muchcan lead to cancer.
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How to find out more
If you want to find out more you can go toour website:
www.nhs.uk/ogcancer
Or if you want to order copies of thisleaflet in different formats, email:
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Produced by Williams Lea, BDS Communications Ltd andInspired Services Publishing for Public Health England© Crown copyright 2014
